Something (B)old: Red Tights, Tropical Blooms, and a Queer Wedding in Brazil
If you think wedding style in Brazil is all about white lace and muted florals, think again. Photographer Isadora Egler dreamed up “Something (B)old” as a bold challenge to tradition, replacing it with pink cocktails, red anthuriums, mini cakes for the kids, and two brides who could not be more magnetic. Mariana (she/her) and Lavínia (she/her) were the perfect pair to bring her vision to life, with a real connection, a blended family, and zero interest in conforming to what the industry says a wedding should look like.
What inspired the “something (b)old” styled shoot at your Brasília venue?
We wanted to take the classic wedding rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” and flip it on its head. Bold became the theme because we wanted to challenge a wedding industry that still leans heavily toward heteronormative couples and one-note aesthetics. For us, timelessness is about quality, not a singular style, so we filled the day with vivid colors, non-traditional outfits, and details that celebrated authenticity.
How did you choose the color palette and overall styling?
We went all in on red and pink to move away from the typical white-and-green decor you see everywhere. The table was layered with bold candles, tropical blooms, and textured place settings. The goal was to prove that color can be both sophisticated and fun, especially in a queer wedding context. The floral design, wedding planning, and decor rentals all came from Sutilê, whose eye for color and detail set the tone for the day.
Tell us about the vendors who brought the day together.
This was an all-women vendor team. Photographer Isadora Egler captured every candid moment, Sutilê handled styling and planning, and Bia Furtado Confeitaria created both a show-stopping cake and three smaller ones to represent Mariana and Lavínia’s three children. Joias de Oliva provided the rings, OX Bar mixed up colorful cocktails, and Três a Seis designed playful velvet-textured stationery that tied the color palette together.
The outfits were definitely not typical bridal looks. Was that intentional?
Very. Interestingly, when we reached out to dress vendors, none said yes, so we styled the looks ourselves. As it turned out, this fit the couple perfectly because neither Mariana nor Lavínia ever pictured themselves in traditional wedding dresses. They wore outfits that felt comfortable, authentic, and aligned with the vision, surrounded by the vibrant floral styling from Sutilê.
What personal touches made this shoot feel real, even though it was editorial?
We wanted it to be more than just a styled shoot. Mariana and Lavínia exchanged vows, shared a drink, cut their first slice of cake together, and took a moment to really connect. These weren’t staged interactions; they were genuine, which is why the images feel so alive. The intimate tablescape, brought to life with rentals and styling from Sutilê, made the whole scene even more inviting.
Why were Mariana and Lavínia the right couple for this feature?
Mari has been a visible figure in Brazil’s LGBTQ+ community for years, openly sharing her life as a same-sex mother. She and her ex-wife co-parent their twins, and when she met Lavínia, who has a child of her own, they formed a blended family full of love and support. They are true partners, balancing a busy home life while staying present for each other.
What message do you hope this shoot sends to the wedding industry?
That queer weddings don’t need to fit into a template to be valid or beautiful. Long before marriage equality, queer people created their own ceremonies and traditions. Those celebrations have always been rich with meaning, and they deserve recognition without having to mimic a heteronormative standard.
Photography by Isadora Egler
Bar OX Bar
Beauty Salon Que Beleza
Cake Bia Furtado Confeitaria
Candles Luma Casa
Furniture & Props A Garimpeira
Make Up Artist Walisson Brito
Rings Joias de Oliva
Stationery Três a Seis
Styling & Planning Sutilê
